Kubica the Friday star at Silverstone 09 Jun 2006
BMW Sauber third driver Robert Kubica headed Friday afternoon’s practice session for the British Grand Prix, lapping his F1.06 in 1m 21.082s to run well ahead of the closest pursuer. That was Giancarlo Fisichella, who had an adventurous afternoon on his way to 1m 22.294s. The Italian’s Renault snapped suddenly away from him at Stowe on one lap, and later he went off again at Club. And, for once, team mate Fernando Alonso also erred. The world champion went off at Copse, and ended the afternoon seventh on 1m 22.603s.
They were separated by Alexander Wurz, again running strongly for 1m 22.300s for Williams; Anthony Davidson who lapped his Honda in 1m 22.310s; Jarno Trulli who was again close to the front for Toyota with 1m 22.437s; and Felipe Massa, who took his Ferrari round in 1m 22.476s.
The Brazilian’s team mate, Michael Schumacher, was eighth on 1m 22.825s, but again spun his Ferrari on the entry to Bridge corner.
Williams’ Mark Webber was ninth on 1m 23.099s, but the times behind him were very close, with Rubens Barrichello pushing his Honda to 1m 23.104s to pip Toyota’s Ralf Schumacher (1m 23.114s), Red Bull’s Robert Doornbos (1m 23.140s), Midland’s Tiago Monteiro (1m 23.194s) and Juan Pablo Montoya (1m 23.199s) in the McLaren. Christijan Albers wasn’t far off them with 1m 23.499s, nor was Midland team mate Giorgio Mondini, who impressed again with 1m 23.529s. Jenson Button was next up on 1m 23..707s for Honda, ahead of Ralf Schumacher (1m 23.750s) in the second Toyota; Williams’ Nico Rosberg (1m 23.816s); BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld (1m 23.895s); and McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen (1m 23.915s).
In 22nd place, Tonio Liuzzi headed the Red Bull quintet with 1m 24.012s for Toro Rosso, ahead of Christian Klien on 1m 24.158s, Scott Speed on 1m 24.167s, David Coulthard on 1m 24.392s and Luffield spinner Neel Jani on 1m 24.666s.
At the very back, Takuma Sato was the fastest runner for Super Aguri with 1m 25.870s. Franck Montagny chased him after his morning technical problems, on 1m 26.248s, and Sakon Yamamoto’s acclimatisation continued with another spin at Chapel and a best lap of 1m 27.908s.
Once again it was clear that several runners were keeping their powder dry for Saturday morning’s final practice session, when a more accurate guide to form will emerge ahead of qualifying and the race.
